Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beloved garden flower that also has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. With its bright yellow and orange blossoms that bloom from early summer well into fall, calendula brings cheer wherever it grows. If you want to add this multi-purpose plant to your own garden or landscape, you may be wondering where to find calendula plants for sale near your location. The good news is that it is easy to find calendula plants at garden centers, nurseries, and online stores that will ship live plants right to your door.
A Brief Overview of Calendula
Calendula officinalis is an herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it gets its common name “marigold” because it blooms throughout the calendar year in mild climates. The flowers consist of yellow to deep orange petals surrounding a central cluster of yellow disk florets. The leaves are oblong, slightly hairy, and emit a unique, aromatic scent when crushed.
Calendula thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil. It is easy to grow, making it ideal for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. As an herb, it has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. The flowers and leaves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Calendula has been traditionally used to treat skin irritations, digestive issues, and minor wounds. It also has culinary uses, with the flowers adding color and flavor to dishes.
Where to Find Calendula Plants for Sale
Local Garden Centers and Nurseries
One of the best places to find calendula plants is your local independent garden center or nursery Most will carry a nice selection of annuals and perennials, including pot marigold The benefit of shopping at a local small business is that you can hand select the exact plants you want. The staff is usually very knowledgeable and can provide growing tips.
Some top nurseries to check for calendula include
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[Nursery Name]: This family-owned nursery offers a wide variety of plants, including unusual and hard to find varieties. They have a nice selection of pot marigold cultivars in both seeds and starter plants.
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[Nursery Name]: As one of the region’s premier nurseries, they stock over 500 varieties of annuals and perennials. You’re sure to find robust calendula starter plants here to add to your garden.
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[Nursery Name]: Focusing on native plants and organic gardening, this nursery propagates many of their own flowers and herbs, including beautiful orange and yellow calendulas.
Getting your plants at a local nursery allows you to see exactly what you’ll be getting. Check for signs of health like sturdy stems, green unblemished leaves, and vigorous root systems. Local nurseries also typically carry plants that are already acclimated to your growing zone.
Major Retailers and Hardware Stores
In addition to specialty nurseries, many major retail chains and hardware stores also carry a selection of live nursery plants, including calendula. Stores to check include:
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Lowe’s: With over 1,700 retail locations across the U.S., Lowe’s sells calendula in both seeds and small greenhouse-grown plants. They stock single pot marigold cultivars and mixed calendula planter collections.
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The Home Depot: As another major home improvement chain, The Home Depot also sells live pot marigold plants at many of their stores. Seasonal availability varies by location.
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Walmart: Select Walmart locations with outdoor garden centers sell live nursery plants, including calendula flower starter plants in spring and summer.Availability varies by store.
For major retailers, check online for store inventory before heading to your local branch. While selection is more limited, the convenience of shopping at these chains is nice when you just need a few starter plants.
Online Stores and Mail Order Nurseries
Purchasing calendula plants from an online plant nursery or mail order company is an easy way to get pot marigold delivered right to your door. Online shopping also gives you access to a huge variety of different calendula cultivars, including rare and exotic types. Some top online plant stores include:
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The Growers Exchange: This family-owned company sells organically-grown calendula officinalis as well as more unique varieties like the apricot-colored ‘Erfurter Orangefarbigen’ and the double-flowered ‘Fiesta Gitana’.
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Burpee: A long-time mail order seed company, Burpee now sells live nursery plants online too. They offer single and double calendula plants in colors like lemon, orange, and gold.
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American Meadows: Find classic pot marigold plants as well as unique varieties like the dwarf ‘Bon Bon’ mix at this nursery specializing in perennials, wildflowers, and dried flowers. Their plants ship at the perfect time for planting in your region.
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Etsy: On Etsy you can find calendula plants from small independent nurseries and sellers around the U.S. It’s a great place to find rare heirloom varieties.
Ordering online allows you to get the exact calendula variety you want, even if it’s not available at your local stores. Just be sure to order early, as popular plants sell out quickly!
What to Look for When Buying Calendula Plants
When shopping for calendula plants, either in person or online, here are some tips on what to look for to find vigorous, healthy pot marigold plants for your garden:
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Root system: Choose plants with plentiful, white, healthy roots. Avoid root-bound plants or those with brown, slimy roots.
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Foliage: The leaves should be green and unblemished without yellowing or spots.
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Plant size: For starter plants, look for those around 4-6 inches tall that feature multiple stems and leaves but haven’t gotten leggy.
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Flowers: While not necessary, plants that already have some bright, open blooms indicate a robust, mature plant.
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Hardiness: Ensure any plants are suitable for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Calendula thrives in Zones 2-11 as an annual.
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Organic: For edible and medicinal uses, look for organically-grown, chemical-free calendula plants.
Starting with high quality plants from a reputable source will give your calendula the best chance of thriving.
Get Growing with Calendula Plants Near You
Calendula is one the easiest herbs and flowers you can grow. It adds beauty to any garden while also providing a variety of uses. By sourcing your starter plants from local nurseries, major retailers, or online plant stores, you can find healthy calendula plants for sale near your home. Soon you’ll be enjoying the bright blossoms and benefits of calendula grown in your own yard.
0 Where in the World
Calendula officinalis is most-likely native to southern Europe. The plant has a long history of cultivation which makes its precise origin difficult to know. It is hypothesized that it may be of garden origin. It is also widely naturalized further north in Europe—in north to southern England for example—and elsewhere in warm temperate regions of the world.
0 A Bit of Botany
description Calendula officinalis, a member of the Asteraceae family. Calendula officinalis, a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial that can reach nearly 2 1/2 feet in height. oblong-lanceolate leaves that are roughly 2–7 inches in length, with hair on the top and bottom, and margins that are entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. The inflorescences are yellow, comprising a thick capitulum or flowerhead 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inch in diameter. The flowerhead is surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts. In the wild the plant often has a single ring of ray florets surrounding the central disc florets. The disc florets are tubular and hermaphrodite, and generally of a more intense orange-yellow color than the female, tridentate, peripheral ray florets. The fruit is a thorny curved achene.
The plant may flower the full length of the year if conditions are suitable.
other common names for calendula & nomenclature Marigold is from the late 14th century marygolde, which from Mary— most-likely in reference a reference to the Virgin + gold, for its color. The Old English name for the flower was simply golde.
Also known as: pot marigold, english marigold, poets marigold, husbandmans dial, marybud, merrybud, marygold, summers bride, ruddles, common marigold, garden marigold, scottish marigold
Calendula officinalis or Pot Marigold are a very special plant that all gardeners should grow.
FAQ
What month do you plant calendula?
| Plant name | Zone | Plant seedlings/transplants outdoors (spring/fall) |
|---|---|---|
| Calendula/Pot marigold | 8a | On/around March 15 (after last frost) |
| Calendula/Pot marigold | 8b | On/around March 15 (after last frost) |
| Calendula/Pot marigold | 9a | Dec. 15-March 1 |
| Calendula/Pot marigold | 9b | Dec. 15-March 1 |
Does calendula come back every year?
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is typically grown as an annual but can self-seed and return year after year in many climates. While the original plant won’t survive the winter, its seeds will sprout the following spring, giving the appearance of returning plants.
Does Lowes sell calendula?
Lowe’s Multicolor Calendula in 2.5 Quart(s) in the Annuals department at Lowes.com.
Are marigold and calendula the same plant?
Calendulas are not the same as true marigolds. True marigolds are of the Tagetes genus and are popular ornamental plants. The two flowers look quite similar with their bright yellow and orange shades and are often confused.
Where do calendulas grow?
Location: Calendula plants thrive in full or partial exposure. Since they are annual flowers, they thrive best in areas with moderate temperatures. They can tolerate cooler temperatures, but hotter climates can cause the plant to reduce flower production or stop blooming altogether.
Where can I buy a healthy Calendula plant?
Shop at The Grower’s Exchange today and have a healthy calendula plant shipped safely to your doorstep. Known scientifically as Calendula officinalis, this herbaceous plant has enchanted herbalists and gardeners for centuries.
Where can I find organic Calendula flowers?
You can find organic Calendula flowers at Mountain Rose Herbs. They offer the colorful daisy-like flower, Calendula officinalis, in both retail and bulk sizes.
What is a calendula plant?
Aesthetics: Calendula’s cheerful flowers, beyond their practical uses, bring vibrant hues of yellow and orange to gardens, window boxes, and container plantings, enhancing any outdoor space. Easy to Grow: Calendula is low-maintenance and thrives in sunny to partially sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Is Calendula easy to grow?
Easy to Grow: Calendula is low-maintenance and thrives in sunny to partially sunny locations with well-drained soil. It is perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Calendula is an easy plant to grow, making it an ideal choice for novice and experienced gardeners who want to add color to their garden during spring and summer.
Can Calendula be grown in flower pots?
Calendula can be grown in flower pots. To grow Calendula in pots, ensure that the plants are kept watered. At the end of the growing season, let some of the heads go to seed and then drop them back into the pot.